UNIZULU students celebrates National Women’s Day

The University of Zululand SRC together with Richards Bay Academic Societies paid admiration and appreciation to all South African women by hosting an event like no other in commemoration of Women’s month celebration themed “Each for Equal”; each person has a responsibility to make sure a future of equal opportunities is within reach. This event took place at the Richards Bay Campus Atrium, and it was attended by students as well as stakeholders.

The month of August has been dear to South Africa since 1956. On 9 August 1956, nearly 20 000 women marched to the Union Buildings in Pretoria to protest legislation aimed at tightening the apartheid government’s control over the movement of black women in urban areas. Today, 64 years later, women still find themselves in a country and world that is prevalent with inequality and their triumphs are now and again outstripped by the demoralizing headlines of violence and gender discrimination.

The main objective of the event was to empower and provide a rare opportunity for   female students to connect them with successful female business owners, as they can forge networks that could be beneficial to them. to assist female students to believe in their potential and be confident to run innovative businesses various dialogs we have had with MKI in trying to awaken students around Innovation, entrepreneurship and trying to ensure that students are well capacitated to be competitive around the globe

In attendance was a range of incredible women from Regional Manager to successful women entrepreneurs, Directors, the stakeholders have phenomenal trailblazing women who came in numbers to inspire the students.

As part of the day’s celebrations the keynote speaker, ABSA Regional Manager, Phumelele Mkhabela who urged the students to ask for direction because if they do not ask, they will never make it. “I am at a level where I am today because I was very curious, I asked a lot of questions. I asked someone how did you get where you are? We as the older generation have gone before you and fought battles to make your tasks a little easier.” said Mkhabela.

Khanyisile Dumakude who is the founder and the CEO of NYAME ADOM FARMING, a company which is 100% women owned said that Women are omitted from vital discussions in the negotiating table, but the truth is that women are proficient of undertaking a lot of things, including coming up and executing inventive business ideas.

A representative from Moses Kotane Institute Sue Singh shared an amusing, yet very informative talk on capacity development on young female entrepreneurs. “I wish more women realized that helping another woman win, cheering her on, praying for her or sharing a resource with her does not take away from your blessing. In fact, the more you give, the more you will receive. Empowering women doesn’t come from selfishness, it comes from generosity.” said Singh.

Everyone was in good spirits and enjoyed the function. They seemed overjoyed with their gifts.

• Precious Shamase